Lobsters

A lobster is an invertebrate with a hard, protective exoskeleton. They need to molt in order to grow, a process that may change the color of the animal in some species. Their unequal claws can be categorized as the smaller ripper claw to tear soft flesh and the larger crusher claw to pulverize shells. While the claw types can be either left or right, males generally have larger crusher claws than females.

Clawed lobsters belong to the family Nephropidae. They have existed at least since the Cretaceous period over 140 million years ago; however, the ancestor of lobsters and scorpions, Kooteninchela deppi, has fossil records spanning at least 550 million years. During the Cretaceous period, at least 53 species existed whereas during the Tertiary period, only 18 species have been identified. Currently, at least 29 species exist and have been recorded worldwide.

Tomorrow, October 16th, 2013, is National Fossil Day. As I only post twice a week, and not on Wednesdays, I declare this fossil week where I'll post my final fossil pictures - until the next batch :)

From the newest fossil collection at the Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary.